Skip to main content

Pocan Announces $400,000 Grant to Disability Rights Wisconsin to Address Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault of People with Disabilities

September 12, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) announced today that Madison-based Disability Rights Wisconsin has been awarded a $400,000 grant to address domestic abuse and sexual assault of people with disabilities. The Department of Justice issued the grant through the Violence Against Women Act’s (VAWA) Disability Grant Program. The Wisconsin Project is the only project nationally to be awarded funds since the inception of the federal Disabilities Grant Program.

Pocan is a staunch supporter of VAWA, and earlier this year fought for an expanded and inclusive reauthorization of the landmark legislation that was signed into law by President Obama.

“All individuals who are the victims of sexual assault or domestic abuse deserve access to support services and full protection under the law,” said Pocan. “I thank Disability Rights Wisconsin for their work to ensure people with disabilities who have been subject to these crimes have a safe place to go to address their needs. This grant will ensure they can continue their important work for our disability and Deaf community in Wisconsin.”

Individuals with disabilities face increased incidents of domestic abuse and sexual assault, but often times face gaps in services. Disability Rights Wisconsin will work with End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin (formerly the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence) and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault on this project to help establish collaborative and multi-disciplinary teams that can enhance the services and support available for persons with disabilities and Deaf who are victims of violence.

“Disability Rights Wisconsin, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault are honored to have been awarded funds through the Office on Violence Against Women to continue the vital work of Wisconsin’s decade-long Violence Against Women with Disabilities and Deaf Women Project,” said Amy Judy, Project Coordinator for Disability Rights Wisconsin. “Our Project strives to ensure that Wisconsinites with disabilities and Deaf who have experienced sexual assault or domestic abuse will be supported by people and systems that reflect person-centered, safe and accessible responses. Disability Rights Wisconsin is grateful for Congressman Pocan’s unwavering support of the Violence Against Women Act and its 2013 reauthorization which made this Disability Grant Program and the award possible.”

###

Issues:Equality